Vice Adm. Michael Rogers has been nominated as Commander of U.S. Cyber Command and Director of the National Security Agency. Rogers had long been considered the frontrunner for the position, which Gen. Keith Alexander will be leaving in March.

“This is a critical time for the NSA, and Vice Adm. Rogers would bring extraordinary and unique qualifications to this position as the agency continues its vital mission and implements President Obama's reforms,” wrote Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel in an announcement of the nomination.

Rogers is a cryptologist with a 30-year Naval career behind him.

“As commander of the Navy's 10th Fleet and U.S. Fleet Cyber Command, he has already demonstrated his leadership and deep expertise in this critical domain,” Hagel wrote. “I am also confident that Adm. Rogers has the wisdom to help balance the demands of security, privacy, and liberty in our digital age.”